Canyoneering

G.O. 085 - Alden Anderson, 360 Nomad Across the Globe

Previous guest (G.O. #16) Alden Anderson is 3 years into a 6 month trip across Europe and Asia. He and Jason spoke over Skype about how travel changes a person, why exploring culture is as important as exploring nature, the human connections photography can bring, and the unexpected revelations life as a nomad has brought.

G.O. 081 - Daniel Elson, Mustachioed Animator Canyoneer

Daniel Elson makes cartoons, hides his past, and descends canyons on sketchy anchors. Did we mention his mustache? He has a boffo mustache. Daniel and Jason hid from the rain in a makeup room one morning to discuss the state of animation, ways to get fired, California zebras, and the toxic aspects of the outdoor community. Oh, and his mustache, of course.

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G.O. 078 - Capturing Adventure With Tiffany Nardico

Previously a fashionista, Tiffany Nardico’s live changed drastically after a chance encounter on a Zion shuttle bus introduced her to canyoneering. Her budding photography career shifted towards adventure sports. She now travels the U.S. in her van capturing adventures and expeditions in the recesses of the Earth and below its surface.

G.O. 077 - Mr. Imlay Canyon Gear, Tom Jones

Tom Jones has left a large imprint on canyoneering in the Western U.S. He is the founder of Imlay Canyon Gear, a supplier of canyoneering specialty equipment and the author of the Zion Canyoneering Guidebook. Tom and Jason chatted one morning at Imlay HQ about his climbing history, his past with Black Diamond, the realities of guiding, and the repercussions of a broken back.

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G.O. 075 - Grand Explorer Rich Rudow

Rich Rudow’s life has become intrinsically linked with the Grand Canyon. On a raft trip in 1989, he became enamored with the mysteries beneath its rim. Having spent 1000 days within its walls and having helped establish many of its technical canyoneering routes, Rich is now recognized as an expert in the region by respected establishments such as National Geographic and Outside Magazine. Rich and Jason sat out a summer monsoon in Kanab to discuss his experiences in the canyon’s depths, his history as an entrepreneur, and the responsibility we share to protect natural places.

G.O. 071 - Canyoneer Freddy Unger Finds Focus

Freddy Unger is recognized in the Southern California canyoneering community as an active leader eager to share his knowledge and offer opportunities to new participants. Prior to discovering canyoneering, he was struggling with substance abuse and watching his life erode. He credits the friendships he developed in the outdoors as a lifesaver. Freddy and Jason sat near a distracting water fountain one morning discussing the benefits of the outdoors, true friendships, maintaining sobriety, and why Freddy avoids driving.

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G.O. 066 - 2014 Swanson Slide Jump Trip Canyon Rescue

As the North Fork of the King’s River cuts through the Sierra Nevada it reveals a canyon playground beloved by experienced canyoneers called Jump Trip. It has been the site of numerous injuries and rescues. In 2014, a group of three were forced to make tough decisions when one of the party suffered a broken ankle. Bronic and Brian share the story of Brian and Daniel’s extraction from the canyon and Bronic’s intimidating solo as he runs to seek help. Big jumps, slippery slides, stuck rope, misplaced keys, overly valued wetsuits, and paper clothes care of Lower Jump Trip Canyon.

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G.O. 064 - Kevin Heiden, Canyon Newbie Gets Legit

Kevin Heiden grew up in Chatsworth, CA where he squandered his twenties. As he moved into his thirties, he realized he needed to change his life. A backpacking trip ignited a desire for exploration and adventure. Soon he discovered canyoneering and became completely enamored. He and Jason squatted amongst the rocks of Stoney Point one morning and discussed the ways canyoneering has improved Kevin’s life, his outlook, and his disposition even though Nerf Herder Canyon almost ruined everything.

G.O. 061 - Ryan Dacey, Taco Del Montana

Ryan “Taco” Dacey likes to live in the spaces in between. He prefers climbing the challenging choss betwixt established routes. He chooses the miserable gorge descents flanked by quality canyons. He selects suffering when comfort is the preferred option. Yet, his aptitude for joy reigns supreme and his willingness to share is unmatched. Ryan and Jason sat in a Pasadena park one afternoon discussing shitty rock, life by bicycle, surviving Fish Fork, Ragu sponsorships, and the dastardly Steller’s Jay.

G.O. 060 - Land and Sea and Air, Amanda Craft is There

Amanda Craft is a consummate outdoor Renaissance Woman. Raised in California and summered in Colorado, she spent her youth on horseback or in nature. While trying to pad her professional resume during her college years, she began accidentally discovering the depths of her adventurous drive. Her explorations have taken her beneath the seas and earth, up and down its pinnacles, and flying and falling through its skies. She and Jason met on a Little Tujunga hillside one night to discuss her varied pursuits, the finer points of flight, the delectable bloodsicle, and the inspirations of “Rescuers Down Under.”

Seasons

G.O. Get Outside Podcast

Whether you are BASE jumping off a flying unicorn or hiking around your neighborhood in between diaper changes, you have a place here. Pop open your podcast machine and give it a listen. Maybe it will stoke some embers you didn’t know were burning.